2025 Subaru Crosstrek
MSRP: $26,560
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Overview
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact crossover SUV is still one of the most versatile cars in this segment, and its generous ground clearance makes it handy in the wild and easy to get in and out, while standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives it both capability and everyday practicality in a single package. It's reliable too, with 97% of Crosstreks sold over the last decade still on the road.
It offers two engine choices, decent fuel efficiency, and sufficient cabin space for daily commuting or weekend adventuring, so it deservedly sells well, and is the ideal car for adventurous people in four-season climates and with an outdoor lifestyle who want all-weather capability in a compact package.
What's New for 2025?
The 2025 Crosstrek gets a few updates after its complete redesign last year. The Premium trim gains the more powerful 182-hp 2.5L engine and dual-function X-Mode with hill-descent control that were previously the preserve of the top trims, adding a lot more capability and only raising its price by about $1,500.
All 2025 Crosstreks get the latest version of the Subaru EyeSight driver-assistance tech, and automatic emergency steering is added to trims fitted with blind-spot monitoring to help avoid crashes below 50 mph.
Exterior
The Crosstrek's layered honeycomb grille, protective body cladding, and aggressively angular wheel-arch design project an adventurous, rugged stance, helped by its generous 8.7-inch ground clearance, which beats some full-size SUVs. The Wilderness trim raises this number even further to 9.3 inches and adds all-terrain tires and more rugged styling to the recipe.
The Sport trim adds distinctive dark-gray 18-inch alloy wheels and yellow exterior accents. Raised roof rails are standard on all but the base trim and will accommodate the mountain bikes and kayaks that weekend adventurers typically take with them. Cabin space is maximized, despite the compact footprint, and it's as easy as ever to maneuver in urban environments.
Interior
The Crosstrek's no-nonsense cabin has a straightforward design with logically placed controls that are easy to use. It puts function over flash and may be a bit Spartan for people who were expecting more design flair. An 11.6-inch touchscreen is found in all but the base model, which gets dual 7-inch displays and features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM. Smartphone integration is wireless with the bigger display.
The 60/40 split/fold rear seats fold flat to expand cargo capacity to up to 54.9 cu-ft, and a wide-opening liftgate makes loading up easy. Base trims get cloth upholstery, the Limited boasts genuine leather with orange stitching, and the Wilderness uses durable synthetic StarTex upholstery with copper-colored contrast stitching throughout the cabin.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's price of only $26,560 for the base trim may seem like great value, but it uses the 2.0L engine and lacks quite a few nice features, so the Premium trim is the sweet spot, gaining the 182-hp 2.5L engine this year, along with X-Mode. It also has the big 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and LED fog lights, all for a premium of only $1,250 over the base trim.
Trim Level | Price |
Base trim: Crosstrek | $26,560 |
Top trim: Wilderness | $33,360 |
Best value trim: Premium | $27,810 |
Key Specs
Powertrain Options
Engine | HP | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
2.0L Boxer 4-Cylinder | 152 hp | 145 lb-ft | CVT | Symmetrical AWD |
2.5L Boxer 4-Cylinder | 182 hp | 178 lb-ft | CVT | Symmetrical AWD |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
Crosstrek AWD 2.0L | 27 | 34 | 29 |
Crosstrek AWD 2.5L | 27 | 33 | 29 |
Crosstrek Wilderness AWD 2.5L | 25 | 29 | 27 |
Warranty
Coverage | Duration |
Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 5 years / unlimited miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive across all trims
- Excellent fuel economy for an AWD vehicle
- Superior off-road capability versus competitors
- Proven long-term reliability
Cons:
- Base engine acceleration feels sluggish
- Noticeable road noise at highway speeds
- Interior storage space is limited
- Infotainment graphics appear dated
Verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek is proof that you don't need a flashy cabin, exciting driving dynamics, or spirited acceleration to sell well. Its success lies in its go-anywhere versatility wrapped in a right-sized package, combined with proven durability, impressive ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. It's not meant to jump on the fashionable "sporty" bandwagon, and it's all the better for it, doing its intended job without compromise.
The base 2.0L engine is weak, and that trim loses out on the big touchscreen, LED fog lights, X-Mode, roof rails, and the 182-hp 2.5L engine of the Premium at a saving of only $1,250, so the Premium is by far the best value, and will be perfect for the typical Crosstrek buyer who wants a subcompact crossover that can manage the daily grind and excel in rain, snow, and dirt roads. The Wilderness adds a layer of go-anywhere ability that's rare in this class.
Competitors:
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This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 11:19 PM.